Maternal Diet Quality Index

The Maternal Diet Quality Index (MDQI) is a composite measure of maternal nutrition that evaluates diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum using a scored framework. Adapted from general population dietary quality indices, the MDQI emphasizes nutrients critical for fetal development and maternal health: folate, iron, calcium, protein, and micronutrient-rich foods. Use in research and clinical nutrition assessment to characterize maternal diet quality and its associations with pregnancy outcomes and lactation.